Click on pic for clear view. I found this picture on his camera.

Dave delivered pizza in high school and hosted weekend games of RISK with his good friends. He also worked for Rochester Schools Child Care program and also taught a 10 week science class after school in my building.  He painted the 'GO Mango' restaurant  and sold his macrame bracelets there. He loved his position as Asst. Manager of the Chocolate Cafe in Ann Arbor where he made delicious coffee drinks. Once accepted to U of M, David wrote and asked for a one year deferment so that he could travel in an old van that he'd purchased. He worked periodically as he made his way from Maine to the Four Corners and eventually to California. He bought and sold more cars than I can remember. Later he worked for both Washtenaw and Oakland County with hazardous wastes and water quality. Late in '06, he moved to Casper, WY for a job with OG Environmental.  He also worked for PFS (Petroleum Field Services), Antero Resources and most recently for Slawson Exploration CO. in downtown Denver. His position was environmental analyst or scientist.  He always had a lot going on and kept us informed by visits or phone.

Always observant, curious, independent and full of questions, David formed strong opinions at an early age.  He expected a lot from himself, his teacher's, friends and life but went about it with an enthusiam that was infectious and joyful.  His accomplishments and passions were many.  Soccer, biking, snowboarding, break dancing and a wide variety of freindships--he gave it his all. He'd get excited about new projects like making taffy, rock polishing, growing his garden, cooking healthy foods or putting on a good backyard fireworks display. As a little boy he and Alex made a profit selling homegrown vegetables from a wagon.  He could find a four-leaf clover whenever he looked for one.  David was a natural leader, teacher, scientist and friend. He was sensitive to animals and did not shy away from controversy. His travels were amazing. He went to Costa Rica in high school and lived with a host family.  He traveled to Germany and Amsterdam with the Atlas group from Adams.  He traveled to England, France, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Netherlands, Ontario, British Columbia and throughout the USA while earning his degree at the University of Michigan's School of Natural Resources and the Environment. His recent trip to Belize was a highlight in his life, filled with adventure, risk and romance.  He was so excited that he'd rented and sailed a boat there!  These are a few of my thoughts this August as I reflect on Dave's amazing life.

-his' Ma' as he called me,...with protective wings. XOX

 We went to the campsite where David and Kristie were on Saturday, July 2nd.   David had chosen the most amazing campsite I have ever seen.  We hiked over fields of packed snow melting into rivulets and flowing to the lake. I finally breathed and felt closer to him there.  -Beth

On Saturday, July 2nd, 2011 Dave and his girlfriend Kristie were camping in the mountains near St. Mary's Glacier, Colorado.  After a beautiful day hiking in the wilderness, Dave peacefully passed away in his sleep.

Dave was at one of the happiest times in his life; he had recently taken a new position as an Environmental Scientist at Slawson Exploration Company, he was filled with enthusiasm for life and was in love.

Everyone who knew Dave knew how incredible and unique he was. He has touched the lives of all of us and will forever be loved and missed.